Friday, April 10, 2009

"Too bad their tolerance does not extend to those that disagree with them. Higher level education systems have long been a hotbed for the liberal agenda. All Mr. Horowitz is asking for is a politics free education environment.The problem is, who "monitors" that? Unfortunately, it sounds like more "Big Brother" to me. As much as I agree, the enforcement concerns me."

Although the protesters certainly had a right to air their side out front, I believe allowing them inside to disrupt the event was a poor decision. It seems that the old philosophies of "changing the channel" or "going somewhere else" have flown the coop. Now seems to be a philosophy more like, "You must agree with me, or you cannot be allowed to say your piece."

As insomnia sets in at this fine hour (2:20 AM Friday morning here in Anchorage, AK), it occurred to me that what he is really asking for is, for the professors themselves, along with the colleges to show a bit of self control. The issue is not that the professors don't deserve to exercise "Freedom of Speech", but that their classrooms may not be a suitable place.

Now, I am not one of your overly emotional guys. Although I can get very angry, normally, once emotion enters the discussion, am I quite ill prepared. But, let's make a few assumptions:

1. A good majority of the people who did not want to go to war in the 60's and 70's could avoid military service by going to school. Being full-time students helped them "dodge the draft".

Women, at that time, were not a big part of our military, and most stayed behind and blamed the war and the government for their separation. Many often "Dear John'd" their fighting man in lieu of a man who stayed behind. I am extrapolating here, a majority of the men they spent their time with were liberal anti-war types.

Most college professors are in fact college graduates themselves. (hehe I know)

Is it safe to assume by the end of the 70's, the majority of college graduates were likely liberal and anti-war as were most Professors?

Most graduates for the last 40 years have come up through a very liberal leaning education system producing more liberals?

I am talking in big generalities here and realize there are many exceptions. I think my logic is sound and may explain the nature of politics today and why the conservatives seem to be more in a minority than ever before. Mr. Horowitz goal is a great one. he is trying to separate the politics from education much like many have striven to separate the religion from education.

I really believe all three realms (education, politics, and religion) should be kept separate. I have no idea how to safely achieve that. What I caution against is to keep a watchful eye on what is done in an effort to obtain such a lofty goal. Keep in mind what freedoms we were all so ready to give up to be safe when we found terrorists were not just knocking on our door, but had walked on in and sat down.

2 comments:

I'm with you on separating education, politics and religion, but practically, those things are so fused it's practically impossible.

Our best bet, in my opinion is to provide equal access to all religio-political philosophies by students. Class catalogs should disclose a professor's religion and politics to potential students - this would insure no surprises for (or discrimination against) conservatives, especially in public universities. No discrimination that way, just students voting with their feet.

I have no argument with professors having opinions, just a little transparency would be appreciated.

About Me

I am known by this name world-wide and it is the name I am referred to in everyday life!

I've been described as a computer geek trapped in a behemoth form. But
no... Not really. I'm more of a biker who figured out computers.

I’ve been told I have a unique and open perspective on the world,
usually from a lighter viewpoint. I like to make people think. They
don’t need to agree, but it’s nice to know I can get the wheels turning.